tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327Wed, 01 Oct 2014 07:34:03 +0000PhotosVideosReviewsInterviewsBlackNews.com Blog - Daily African American News, Photos and MoreCelebrity photos, videos, reviews, interviews and more pertaining to African American news and commentary.http://blog.blacknews.com/noreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)Blogger433125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-3838022297519396162Mon, 03 Mar 2014 14:54:00 +00002014-03-15T16:02:46.282-07:00BLACK IS BACK: Lupita Nyong'o Wins Oscar for Best Supporting Actress -- Plus "12 Years A Slave" Wins Best Film<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--SZTi7SNPCA/UxSWQI9-58I/AAAAAAAASY8/XM9anWJO4tw/s1600/lupita_nyongo_oscar_win.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lupita Nyong'o Wins Oscar For Best Supporting Actress" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--SZTi7SNPCA/UxSWQI9-58I/AAAAAAAASY8/XM9anWJO4tw/s1600/lupita_nyongo_oscar_win.jpg" height="240" title="Lupita Nyong'o Wins Oscar For Best Supporting Actress" width="400" /></a></div><br />The film industry has received a lot of criticism in the past for not recognizing Black actors and actresses, but this year's Academy Awards was quite different. 31-year old actress Lupita Nyong'o won the Best Supporting Actress award, and the same movie she starred in, <i>12 Days A Slave</i>, won the Best Film award.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Nyong'o, who is of Kenyan descent, played Patsey, a tortured slave in the Steve McQueen-directed film. Obviously, her performance was amazing, as she has also won a SAG award, a Spirit Award, and a NAACP Image Award.<br /><br />After winning her Oscar, she said in her speech, "Thank you to the academy for this incredible recognition. It doesn't escape me for one moment that so much joy in my life is due to so much pain in someone else's." She then credited McQueen for bringing attention to a dark chapter in American history, and the victims of slavery.<br /><br />She added, "When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every child, no matter where you're from, your dreams are valid."<br /><br />The evening of the 86th annual Academy Awards, was hosted by none other than Ellen Degeneres, and was held in Los Angeles, California at the Dolby Theatre. Other names that came up with big wins included Matthew McConaughey who won the Best Actor Award, and Cate Blanchett who won the Best Actress Award.<br /><br />To follow Lupita Nyong'o on Facebook, visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LupitaNyongo" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/LupitaNyongo</a><br /><br />To follow her on Instagram, visit <a href="http://www.instagram.com/lupitanyongo" target="_blank">www.instagram.com/lupitanyongo</a>http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/03/lupita-nyongo-wins-oscar-best-supporting-actress.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-393389654317970130Tue, 25 Feb 2014 00:26:00 +00002014-02-24T16:42:03.687-08:00Say It Ain't So: Robin Thicke and Paula Patton Getting Divorced After 8 Years -- Do We Already Know Why?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8x4k7oupUsE/UwvicjnroTI/AAAAAAAASQs/6ld0Lsd_yJ4/s1600/robin_thicke_paula_patton_divorce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Robin Thicke and Paula Patton Getting Divorced" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8x4k7oupUsE/UwvicjnroTI/AAAAAAAASQs/6ld0Lsd_yJ4/s1600/robin_thicke_paula_patton_divorce.jpg" height="300" title="Robin Thicke and Paula Patton Getting Divorced" width="400" /></a></div><br />Singer Robin Thicke, 36, and actress Paula Patton, 38, have confirmed that they are getting divorced after 8 years of marriage. They recently released a joint statement to People Magazine saying, "We will always love each other and be best friends, however, we have mutually decided to separate at this time."<br /><a name='more'></a><br />In recent months, the couple had reportedly been troubled with quite a few relationship rumors. Just this past January, Thicke was photographed snuggling up to a woman at a nightclub in Paris, France. He was also caught taking several questionable pictures with fans, and not to mention the controversial performance he gave with Miley Cyrus last year at the MTV Video Awards.<br /><br />Despite all of this though, Thicke said during one interview that he was madly in love with his wife, and that "[they've] loved each other for a few lives." But he did describe his marriage to Star Magazine as "the greatest love of the century, and the most functional, dysfunctional marriage in Hollywood."<br /><br />Robin Thicke became a household name back in 2006 when he released his first hit song "Lost With You". His album went double platinum, and he went on to tour with Beyonce that year. He also appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show twice.<br /><br />Paula Patton also got off to a big start in 2006 when she appeared opposite Denzel Washington in the romantic thriller <i>Déjà Vu</i>. The film went on to gross more than $60 million domestically, and Patton has since starred in scores of other hit movies.<br /><br />The couple has one son together, Julian Fuego, who was born in April 2010.http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/02/robin-thicke-paula-patton-getting-divorced.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-7653701376982622862Fri, 21 Feb 2014 17:16:00 +00002014-02-21T09:26:07.393-08:00OMG You Won't Believe (or Maybe You Will) What Happens When a Black Guy and a White Guy Try To Steal The Same Car -- Watch The Video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8daL3fWTWk/UweLHhZyvDI/AAAAAAAASK4/Bk-LWUjrxx0/s1600/jason_roberts_simple_misfits_black_white_guy_break_into_car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="White Guy and Black Guy Break Into Same Car" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8daL3fWTWk/UweLHhZyvDI/AAAAAAAASK4/Bk-LWUjrxx0/s1600/jason_roberts_simple_misfits_black_white_guy_break_into_car.jpg" height="298" title="White Guy and Black Guy Break Into Same Car" width="400" /></a></div><br />Is there a difference between a white guy trying to break into a car vs a black guy? Apparently so.<br /><br />Jason Roberts, a host on the YouTube channel "Simple Misfits", recently decided to create a scene where people could witness the unacceptable double standards and racism in the country. Roberts, who is white, pretended to break into his own car on a public street. Even though the car alarm repeatedly was repeatedly going off, no one seemed to car that he was breaking into the car - including a police officer who passed by.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />But when actor Quentin Brunson (who is Black) pretended to be breaking into the same car on the same street, Los Angeles police were on the scene within two minutes, greeting him with profanity and a harsh attitude. Roberts says his goal for the experiment was to raise awareness. And that it did! Within just three days of posting the video on YouTube, the video received more than 2 million views.<br /><br /><b>Watch The Video Below:</b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MuyMuLGXxTs" width="500"></iframe>http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/02/jason-roberts-simple-misfits-black-guy-white-guy-steal-same-car.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-2665301347301041914Wed, 19 Feb 2014 17:26:00 +00002014-02-20T07:21:53.338-08:00Oprah's OWN Network To Debut A New Talkshow -- Yep, You Guessed It -- "The Tyler Perry Show"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jGq0w7Hppvs/UwTo9ekA1ZI/AAAAAAAASEc/AgnY9siIZck/s1600/tyler_perry_talk_show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Tyler Perry Show" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jGq0w7Hppvs/UwTo9ekA1ZI/AAAAAAAASEc/AgnY9siIZck/s1600/tyler_perry_talk_show.jpg" height="400" title="The Tyler Perry Show" width="241" /></a></div><br />Filmmaker Tyler Perry will soon be the star of his own talk show called <i>Tyler, The Tyler Perry Show</i> on Oprah's OWN network. Perry revealed the big news in a Instagram post that he posted saying “Look what I’m working on.” The picture was of himself on the set.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />He did not reveal how often the talk show will air or for how long, but he did say that it will premiere on Tuesday, February 25th after an episode of <i>The Haves And The Have Nots</i> on the OWN Network.<br /><br />Perry and Winfrey have already found great success together with their three hit shows <i>Love Thy Neighbor</i>, <i>For Better or Worse,</i>&nbsp;and <i>The Haves and The Have Nots</i>. These shows, which are a combination of sitcoms and dramas, each draw millions of viewers each week.<br /><br />So, this new show starring Perry himself is also sure to be a huge hit. A record number of viewers is expected for the first episode, as fans are already showing great excitement on social media.<br /><br />Tyler Perry, who started out doing stage plays for African American audiences, is now a well-renowned filmmaker, television producer, and author. His films have collectively grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide.<br /><br />For more info on their collaborations, visit <a href="http://www.oprah.com/tylerperry/" target="_blank">www.oprah.com/tylerperry/</a>http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/02/tyler-perry-talk-show-coming-to-own-network.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-5400473942777874904Tue, 18 Feb 2014 16:16:00 +00002014-02-20T07:20:18.685-08:00Steve Harvey Is Back With A Sequel Called "Think Like A Man Too" -- Due In Theaters This Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNQ32IvXyQA/UwOHQ8cm3kI/AAAAAAAASDM/piU8oEXJY_w/s1600/think_like_a_man_too.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Think Like A Man Too" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNQ32IvXyQA/UwOHQ8cm3kI/AAAAAAAASDM/piU8oEXJY_w/s1600/think_like_a_man_too.jpg" height="314" title="Think Like A Man Too" width="320" /></a></div><br />Just two years after <i>Think Like A Man</i> grossed nearly $100 million in the box office, the franchise is back with a sequel called <i>Think Like A Man Too</i>. The highly successful romantic comedy film, based on Steve Harvey’s best-seller, is already building up excitement.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />The sequel will star Kevin Hart, Terrence J, Regina Hall, Jerry Ferrara, Gabrielle Union, Michael Ealy, Taraji P. Henson, Romany Malco, Meagan Good, Gary Owen, La La Anthony, Adam Brody, and Janina Gavankar. and more. Both Wendy Williams and Floyd Mayweather will also make guest appearances.<br /><br />Produced by Will Packer and directed by Tim Story, the setting this time is in Las Vegas where the characters have traveled to attend a wedding and a bachelors vs bachelorettes party war. Of course, this lands them all in a bit of relationship trouble.<br /><br />The film is schedule to hits theaters on June 20, 2014.<br /><br /><b>Watch The Trailer Below:</b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/N8b6kVSZNLE" width="500"></iframe>http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/02/sequel-think-like-a-man-too-summer101.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-7055640787686895916Tue, 18 Feb 2014 15:57:00 +00002014-02-20T07:19:49.801-08:0013, 14 and... This Atlanta Family Just Welcomed Their 15th Child<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVs4PPL__dY/UwOCJameC6I/AAAAAAAASC8/oz8lZ2Lptig/s1600/adkins_family_atlanta_15_children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Adkins Family With 15 Children From Atlanta" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVs4PPL__dY/UwOCJameC6I/AAAAAAAASC8/oz8lZ2Lptig/s1600/adkins_family_atlanta_15_children.jpg" height="257" title="Adkins Family With 15 Children From Atlanta" width="400" /></a></div><br />LaChelle Adkins of McDonough, Georgia, recently gave birth to her 13th child. That makes a total of 15 children for her and husband, Jerome, who has two children from a previous marriage. With that many children, the Adkins family is large enough to have their own reality show, and LaChelle says that she would welcome that opportunity.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />She comments, "We actually had talked with Discovery Studios, and because they have big families right now, they said they're not pursuing anything. But I think the whole concept that we have that we want to do is a little bit different."<br /><br />LaChelle, who has literally spent most of the past 20 years either pregnant or nursing, says that she would like her family featured on a TV show that teaches parents the lessons that she has learned as a mother in a large family. The family lives in a nice-sized home in suburban Atlanta, and the father works a full-time job to support his family.<br /><br />The oldest daughter, who is 21-year-old, says because of their large family size, she aspires to become a medical doctor. But she laughingly admits that she only wants to have one or two kids in her own marriage.<br /><br />Jerome and LaChelle Adkins say that having even more children is still a possibility, but first they look forward to welcoming their first grandchild - who is due this summer.http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/02/atlanta-adkins-family-welcomes-15th-child.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-5104265620521804910Mon, 17 Feb 2014 10:09:00 +00002014-02-20T07:40:12.399-08:00Man Found Guilty On Four Counts of Attempted Murder (But Only Attempted Murder) After Killing Black Teen For Playing Loud Music<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iG0gN4B1tNI/UwHefEB6VII/AAAAAAAASBE/U05sdaQCMFI/s1600/michael_dunn_jordan_davis_trial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iG0gN4B1tNI/UwHefEB6VII/AAAAAAAASBE/U05sdaQCMFI/s1600/michael_dunn_jordan_davis_trial.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div><br />Michael Dunn, the man who shot and killed 17-year-old Jordan Davis after a heated argument between the two over loud music in Jacksonville, Florida, was recently found guilty on three counts of 2nd-degree murder and one count of throwing a deadly missile. But the jury deadlocked on the 1st degree murder count (the charge for actually killing Davis). Later, a mistrial was declared on that 1st degree murder count.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />47-year old Dunn, who is from Georgia, faces a minimum of 60 years on the three 2nd-degree attempted murder charges and 15 years on the throwing a deadly missile count. Each count of 2nd-degree attempted murder carries a maximum of 30 years (for a total of 90 years).<br /><br />During the trial, Dunn testified that Davis had threatened him and that he thought he saw a gun sticking out of the Dodge Durango. But his father, Ron Davis, said that his son was a good kid and didn't deserve to be collateral damage in an argument over loud music.<br /><br />While the verdict was being read aloud, Dunn looked ahead solemnly with a frown, but he did not cry. He was next ordered back into the custody of the sheriff to be returned to prison to await his sentencing hearing. His lawyer, Cory Strolla, told reporters later that his client was "in disbelief."http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/02/michael-dunn-found-guilty-killing-black-teen-loud-music.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-7466421484494094937Mon, 17 Feb 2014 09:30:00 +00002014-02-20T07:41:59.330-08:00Rapper Lil Kim Is Pregnant and "Can't Wait To Be A Mom" -- But Won't Reveal Who's The Father<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MoGYBjOsmu8/UwHWiR3ZAvI/AAAAAAAASAY/8kmsbzJfu2o/s1600/lil_kim_pregnant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rapper Lil Kim is Pregnant" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MoGYBjOsmu8/UwHWiR3ZAvI/AAAAAAAASAY/8kmsbzJfu2o/s1600/lil_kim_pregnant.jpg" height="400" title="Rapper Lil Kim is Pregnant" width="266" /></a></div><br />Rapper Lil Kim is pregnant, and excited about being a mom. The 39-year old recently made the announcement during the Blonds Fashion Week after-party hosted by MAC Cosmetics at Gilded Lily in New York City.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Although noticeable pregnant already, this didn't stop her from performing some of her hit songs at the event. Reportedly, right before performing her song "Lighters Up", she paid tribute to the late Biggie Smalls and said that "It's also going to be Biggie's birthday and the anniversary of his death soon so we love you." As she said these words, she pointed to her belly so as to include her unborn baby in showing love to the late rapper.<br /><br />Attendees said that she did not hesitate at all to unveil and rub her baby bump in front of onlookers.<br /><br />So who is the father of her baby? Apparently, Lil' Kim has chosen to keep the identity of the baby's father private at this time. But it won't be long before fans and TMZ figure it out.http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/02/rapper-lil-kim-pregnant-excited.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-3116797165027753861Fri, 14 Feb 2014 17:52:00 +00002014-02-20T07:26:02.089-08:00The Truth About Valentine's Day -- You Won't Believe Where This Holiday Originated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDkjDjES550/Uv5XZloN6qI/AAAAAAAAR7c/_m4xQWArFEE/s1600/truth_about_valentines_day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Truth About Valentine's Day" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDkjDjES550/Uv5XZloN6qI/AAAAAAAAR7c/_m4xQWArFEE/s1600/truth_about_valentines_day.jpg" height="314" title="The Truth About Valentine's Day" width="320" /></a></div><br />Every year on February 14th, millions of people around the world celebrate Valentine's Day. It is usually celebrated in the form of a man buying flowers, candy and/or a greeting card for his wife or girlfriend. He is generally expected to also take her to dinner that night. Some men even do this for their mothers, grandmothers, and other women in the family - especially if they are single.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />But where did this holiday come from? And how did it start?<br /><br /><b>Valentine's Day Has Pagan Origins</b><br /><br />According to The World Book Encyclopedia, 1976 edition, Vol. 20, Page 24: <i>“Valentine’s Day comes on the feast day of two different Christian martyrs named Valentine. But the customs connected with the day . . . probably come from an ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia which took place every February 13-15. The festival honored Juno, the Roman goddess of women and marriage, and Pan, the god of nature.”</i><br /><br /><b>Valentine's Day Is Related To... Birds</b><br /><br />According to Wikipedia: <i>During the Middle Ages it was believed that birds paired couples in mid-February. This was then associated with the romance of Valentine.</i> This is the reason why Valentine’s day is widely recognized as a day for romance and devotion.<br /><br /><b>Why Some Choose Not To Celebrate</b><br /><br />Many people choose not to celebrate Valentine's Day citing that it originates with the honoring and worship of false mythological gods. Others don't like the fact that it was once related to a pagan festival. And others don't celebrate it because they feel that showing love to someone shouldn't be allocated to just one day each year.<br /><br />What do you think?http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/02/the-truth-about-valentines-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-1360369437272196536Fri, 14 Feb 2014 06:38:00 +00002014-02-20T07:38:39.933-08:00Caught Red-Handed! Ex-New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin Found Guilty on 20 of 21 Charges of Corruption<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h23EfqLYqA0/Uv25r8ya0VI/AAAAAAAAR60/M6eNFeBgx7U/s1600/ray_nagin_convicted_corruption.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ray Nagin Convicted on Corruption Charges" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h23EfqLYqA0/Uv25r8ya0VI/AAAAAAAAR60/M6eNFeBgx7U/s1600/ray_nagin_convicted_corruption.jpg" height="290" title="Ray Nagin Convicted on Corruption Charges" width="400" /></a></div><br />Ray Nagin, the former mayor of New Orleans could be headed to prison, as he was recently found guilty of many counts of corruption. A jury has just returned guilty verdicts on 20 of the 21 counts of corruption and bribery that he faced. The trial lasted just 9 days, but Nagin, who is 57 years old, could be sentenced to as much as 20 years in a federal penitentiary. <br /><a name='more'></a><br />According to the prosecution, Nagin accepted more than $500,000 in payouts, including first-class trips to Jamaica and New York City, in exchange for millions of dollars in city contracts. According to USA Today, <i>"What makes Nagin's case unique is that it occurred amid one of the worst catastrophes to hit a U.S. city. The floods unleashed by faulty federal levees in the wake of Hurricane Katrina on Aug. 29, 2005, led to the deaths of 1,800 people across the Gulf Coast, caused a record-breaking $135 billion in damage and devastated New Orleans."</i><br /><br />According to prosecutors though, Nagin's schemes began well before Hurricane Katrina hit, and continued after the storm through his second term. Apparently, as people were rebuilding their lives and homes, Nagin continued to solicit large checks for himself and his family's business.<br /><br />Nagin is the first mayor in the city of New Orleans's 296-year history to be convicted of corruption.http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/02/ray-nagin-mayor-new-orleans-guilty-corruption-charges.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-3950447969540822814Tue, 11 Feb 2014 15:47:00 +00002014-02-11T07:47:35.645-08:00President Obama Launches "My Brother’s Keeper" Initiative to Help Black and Hispanic Men<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm-mdXWvCb8/UvpFkdYe92I/AAAAAAAAR3Y/SmB3lu6Vkp8/s1600/president_obama_my_brothers_keeper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="President Obama's My Brothers Keeper Project" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm-mdXWvCb8/UvpFkdYe92I/AAAAAAAAR3Y/SmB3lu6Vkp8/s1600/president_obama_my_brothers_keeper.jpg" height="297" title="President Obama's My Brothers Keeper Project" width="400" /></a></div>President Obama is launching a new project for Black and Hispanic men called "My Brother's Keeper". The initiative will aim to get commitments from foundations, businesses and community groups to help such young minority men improve their employment opportunities. The initiative will also help address certain criminal justice practices and guidelines that affect minority men.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b>Why?</b><br /><br />During his most recent State of the Union speech, Obama pledged to “help more young men of color... stay on track and reach their full potential.” The unemployment rate for African-American men over the age of 20 is 12 percent and 8.2 percent for Hispanic men. But for white men, that figure is just 5.4 percent.<br /><br /><b>A Need For New Programs</b><br /><br />According to the Associated Press, President Obama will also order his administration to examine programs that work and to discard those that do not help improve the lives of minority men. The White House pointed to bipartisan initiatives already underway to change criminal justice practices and guidelines.<br /><br /><b>Getting Results</b><br /><br />The effort will seek “to make sure that every young man of color who is willing to work hard and lift himself up has an opportunity to get ahead and reach his full potential,” a White House official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity ahead of the announcement. “The initiative will be focused on implementing strategies that are proven to get results.”<br /><br />The program is expected to officialy launch on Thursday, February 13th.http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/02/president-obama-my-brothers-keeper-initiative-project.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-5765219197047368790Mon, 03 Feb 2014 13:17:00 +00002014-02-03T05:18:24.444-08:00Study Says Abortion Rate at Lowest Level Since 1973<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z1J7I8wolzc/Uu-Wj0nZMsI/AAAAAAAARp4/0jh4B83PFQ8/s1600/african_american_abortion_billboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="African American Abortion Billboard" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z1J7I8wolzc/Uu-Wj0nZMsI/AAAAAAAARp4/0jh4B83PFQ8/s1600/african_american_abortion_billboard.jpg" height="320" title="African American Abortion Billboard" width="283" /></a></div><br />Remember this controversial billboard from a few years ago? The group behind it, ThatsAbortion.com, was making an attempt to inform the public that more African American children die as a result of abortion than for any other reason.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Well, it appears that those devastating statistics are going down. According to a new data analysis, the abortion rate in the USA has dropped to its lowest level since the procedure became legal in 1973. To be exact, there has been a 13% decline in both the abortion rate and the number of abortions from the years 2008 to 2011.<br /><br />Guttmacher Institute in New York City, the organization who conducted the research, found that major declines were seen in all but six states - Alaska, Maryland, Montana, New Hampshire, West Virginia and Wyoming - which all saw either no change or an increase in abortion rates.<br /><br />Rachel Jones, lead author of the study by Guttmacher, says she attributes the decline to more women using "highly effective contraceptive methods such as the IUD" and the fact that the study period was during the recession and sluggish recovery.<br /><br />For more information about Guttmacher Institute, visit <a href="http://www.guttmacher.org/" target="_blank">www.guttmacher.org</a>http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/02/study-says-abortion-rate-at-lowest.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-3317010801516480349Mon, 03 Feb 2014 05:14:00 +00002014-02-02T21:18:51.660-08:00Tameka Foster-Raymond and More To Star in New VH1 Series, "Atlanta Exes"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8c4Cn89bSyw/Uu8k5I9DZSI/AAAAAAAARos/2SpaB3tnodQ/s1600/atlanta_exes_vh1_tameka_foster_raymond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Atlanta Exes Starring Tameka Foster Raymond" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8c4Cn89bSyw/Uu8k5I9DZSI/AAAAAAAARos/2SpaB3tnodQ/s1600/atlanta_exes_vh1_tameka_foster_raymond.jpg" height="400" title="Atlanta Exes Starring Tameka Foster Raymond" width="381" /></a></div>Tameka Foster-Raymond, ex-wife of international pop star Usher, will star in the new VH1 series <i>Atlanta Exes</i> - a spin-off of the popular series <i>Hollywood Exes</i>. Also, starring in the series will be Christina Johnson (ex-wife of Cee-Lo Green), Monyetta Shaw (ex-fiancee of Ne-Yo), Sheree Buchanan (ex-wife of former pro football player Ray Buchanan), and Torrei Hart (ex-wife of Kevin Hart).<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Premiering in summer 2014, the docu-series will follow the lives and careers of these five women, and will charter a new chapter in ‘The ATL’. As the thriving music and entertainment capital of the South, Atlanta provides the ideal backdrop and group of ex-wives for the franchise’s extension. The cast, featuring the once significant others of an elite list of A-list men, has no shortage of fabulousness, ambition, love, and drama!<br /><br />The show is executive produced by Pam Healey, Lisa Shannon, Sean Rankine and Elizabeth Voorhees for Shed Media US. Other executive producers include Vernon Lynch and Jeff Dyson for Lynch-Dyson Entertainment; and also Susan Levison, Jill Holmes, and Laurel Stier for VH1.http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/02/tameka-foster-raymond-atlanta-exes-vh1-series.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-8349645006241328220Sun, 02 Feb 2014 12:32:00 +00002014-02-02T04:32:49.968-08:00Lifetime Network Airs Biopic About U.S. Olympic Champion Gabby Douglas Starring Regina King<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tGgFbVL_9UI/Uu46Pih3kyI/AAAAAAAARn8/VuaTBzf4goQ/s1600/gabby_douglas_lifetime_biopic.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gabby Douglas Story on Lifetime" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tGgFbVL_9UI/Uu46Pih3kyI/AAAAAAAARn8/VuaTBzf4goQ/s1600/gabby_douglas_lifetime_biopic.PNG" title="Gabby Douglas Story on Lifetime" /></a></div><br />This week, Lifetime Network is airing an original biopic about U.S. Olympic Champion Gabby Douglas. Produced by Sony Pictures TV, the made-for-TV movie follows Douglas from childhood when she began formal gymnastics as a 6-year-old to her gold medal victory as a champion in the 2012 Olympics. The film is directed by Gregg Champion (best known for Lifetime’s <i>Amish Grace</i>) and written by Maria Nation (best known for Lifetime’s <i>The Two Mr. Kissels</i>). <br /><a name='more'></a><br />Two young actresses play the role as her - Sydney Mikayla is Gabby Douglas as a child, and Imani Hakim is Gabby Douglas as a teenager. Regina King plays her mother, and S. Epatha Merkerson is her grandmother. Even Douglas herself appears in the film as well... herself.<br /><br />The inspirational movie is a tell-all and even gets into the family's financial issues, as her mom tried to keep up with the cost of Gabby's gymnastics career and caring for her three other children. The movie also shows the sacrifice and perseverance that Gabby herself made as she and her teammates were triumphantly rewarded with Team Competition and Individual All-round gold medals.<br /><br />The movie will air February 2-4 at various times each day. For more details, visit <a href="http://www.mylifetime.com/movies/the-gabby-douglas-story" target="_blank">www.mylifetime.com/movies/the-gabby-douglas-story</a><br /><br /><b>Here are a few clips:</b><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/du_KV0l_Bz8" width="500"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DLp3F2IcwFc" width="500"></iframe>http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/02/lifetime-network-biopic-gabby-douglas-regina-king.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-7116548358328456881Mon, 13 Jan 2014 10:42:00 +00002014-01-13T02:43:49.753-08:00Interracial Couple in Georgia Upset Over Racial Slur on Parking Ticket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDlzBJ-Jf_4/UtPCtxms-zI/AAAAAAAARPE/Flb0M4hiy1Q/s1600/jungle_fever_parking_ticket_valet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Interracial Couple in Georgia Upset Over Jungle Fever Parking Ticket" border="0" height="245" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDlzBJ-Jf_4/UtPCtxms-zI/AAAAAAAARPE/Flb0M4hiy1Q/s400/jungle_fever_parking_ticket_valet.JPG" title="Interracial Couple in Georgia Upset Over Jungle Fever Parking Ticket" width="400" /></a></div><br />Sam and Candea Aarons, an interracial couple from Atlanta area, Georgia, are highly upset after they recently discovered an offensive racial slur written on their valet ticket after picking up their car.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />They couple reportedly valet parked their car, and had dinner on New Year's day at Spondivits restaurant in East Point, Georgia. After retrieving their vehicle and preparing to go home, they couldn't help but notice a tag that was still attached to their set of keys. It read "jungle fever".<br /><br />Of course, the couple complained to the restaurant and the valet company. But rather than being apologized to, they were only offered a gift certificate for a free dinner. They turned it down.<br /><br />“We have never been so blatantly described in such a blatantly appalling manner ever,” Candea Aarons said. “I shouldn’t have to feel this way. We had no idea that the valet was looking at us or thinking of us in such a manner."<br /><br />To make matters even worse, the parking attendant who wrote the message was Black.<br /><br />The restaurant eventually released a statement saying that the employee had been fired, and that they “do not tolerate racism of any kind whatsoever.”http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/01/interracial-couple-in-georgia-upset.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-6367043804677718083Sat, 11 Jan 2014 10:30:00 +00002014-01-13T02:42:50.049-08:00"Saturday Night Live" Adds Sasheer Zamata To The Cast - The First Black Woman on the Show in 6 Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PoxKZZNcXTM/UtO_0huNY-I/AAAAAAAARO4/XLUACSssx0E/s1600/sasheer_zamata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PoxKZZNcXTM/UtO_0huNY-I/AAAAAAAARO4/XLUACSssx0E/s320/sasheer_zamata.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />NBC's <i>Saturday Night Live</i>, one of the longest running weekly comedy specials, announced last week that Sasheer Zamata will join the show when it returns to television on January 18, 2014. It has been six whole years since a Black woman actress or comedienne has appeared on the show as a cast member.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Zamata was hired following a series of recent auditions after the show recently criticism for a lack of diversity. Reportedly, Zamata was one of a 12 Black women actresses who were invited back to the final audition.<br /><br /><i>The Hollywood Reporter</i>, which reports on television and film news, reported that the show also added two Black women to its writing staff. They are LaKendra Tookes and Leslie Jones, who also auditioned for the part but were chosen to help behind the scenes instead.http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/01/saturday-night-live-adds-sasheer-zamata.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-2081762323667828552Fri, 10 Jan 2014 00:46:00 +00002014-01-09T16:46:06.143-08:00"Why Don’t You Wear Your Hair Natural?" and Other Things NOT to Say to Black People<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LUJKlsHb-RU/Us9CQv9SfPI/AAAAAAAARBk/tDMSAsZNWNE/s1600/things_not_to_say_to_black_people.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Things Not To Say To Black People" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LUJKlsHb-RU/Us9CQv9SfPI/AAAAAAAARBk/tDMSAsZNWNE/s1600/things_not_to_say_to_black_people.png" height="320" title="Things Not To Say To Black People" width="212" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Carolynn Johnson of Diversity Inc Magazine recently wrote an interesting column on DiversityInc.com about what should not be said to Black people in the workplace. The column identifies several commonly said things that can be taken very offensive (even if said by other Blacks).<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Here are just three of the things she mentioned:<br /><br /><b>#1 - “You are the HNIC [Head N-Word in Charge]”</b> <br /><i>(Meant affectionately—usually said by one Black person to another.)</i><br /><br />First, I don’t care who you are—do not call me the N-word. Second, it is not a term of endearment by any stretch of the imagination and does not belong in our lexicon. There is no room for reappropriation with this word. NONE.<br /><br /><b>#2 - “Why don’t you wear your hair natural?”</b><br /><br />First, please don’t think that how Black women wear their hair reflects the acceptance or rejection of their Blackness. There are other reasons: financial, medical or just personal choice. It is not always an attempt to assimilate to white standards of beauty. Psychological tests show people most trust people who look like them. If that means wearing my hair a certain way in order to continue to provide for my family, there is no contest. I will march into a pharmacy or beauty-supply store and proudly ask, “Relaxers are down which aisle?”<br /><br /><b>#3 - “Are you from [fill in inner city here]?”</b><br /><br />All Black people are not from the hood or ghetto nearest you. I grew up in an affluent New Jersey suburb and still live in one today.<br /><br /><br /><b>Read the full article at:</b><br /><a href="https://www.diversityinc.com/things-not-to-say/dont-wear-hair-natural-things-say-blacks/" target="_blank">www.diversityinc.com/things-not-to-say/dont-wear-hair-natural-things-say-blacks/</a>http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/01/things-not-to-say-to-black-people.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-6941892335909215607Wed, 08 Jan 2014 15:58:00 +00002014-01-08T08:00:57.665-08:00"SWV: Reunited" Reality Show To Debut on WE TV in January 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4znu8ID-p4/Us11KX2JPWI/AAAAAAAAQ_w/o2eVGrNmOPw/s1600/swv_reunited_reality_show_we_tv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="SWV Reunited Reality Show on WE TV" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4znu8ID-p4/Us11KX2JPWI/AAAAAAAAQ_w/o2eVGrNmOPw/s1600/swv_reunited_reality_show_we_tv.jpg" height="320" title="SWV Reunited Reality Show on WE TV" width="319" /></a></div><br />After a 15-year hiatus, 90's pop group SWV is back with a new reality series called "SWV: Reunited". Produced by eOne Entertainment, the unscripted show will premiere on Wednesday, January 16, 2014 at 10pm on WE TV.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />The multi-platinum group - consisting of singers Cheryl "Coko" Clemons, Leanne "LeLee" Lyons, and Tamara "Taj" George - started in the year 1990 as a gospel group, but went on to become one of the best-selling pop groups of all time. They sold more than 15 million records, and garnered tons of major award nominations with hit songs like "Downtown", "Weak", "I'm So Into You", "Right Here/Human Nature", "Rain", "You're Always on My Mind", and many others.<br /><br />Despite their success, the group broke up in 1997, and group member Cheryl AKA Coko went on to release a solo album. Tamara went on to marry NFL star Eddie George, and also starred in his reality show <i>I Married a Baller</i> which aired on TV One.<br /><br />The premiere episode follows SWV on the first stop of the comeback tour at Wembley Stadium in London, but new secrets about Coko’s health threaten the rehabilitated bond of the group. Throughout the series, SWV fans will get to see the ladies in action during high-stakes performances in Atlanta, Washington DC, Los Angeles, and New York.<br /><br />They not only address old wounds like trust, jealousy, egos, and selfishness, but face new challenges including health scares, family issues and management drama. And although they share plenty of tears, the ladies share lots of laughter—whether it’s poking fun at Lelee’s butt lift, Coko’s tummy tuck, or sharing hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from their early years.<br /><br />For more details about the show, visit <a href="http://www.wetv.com/shows/swv-reunited" target="_blank">www.wetv.com/shows/swv-reunited‎</a><br /><br /><b>Watch The Trailer Below:</b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RrWXJOOSrx8" width="500"></iframe>http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/01/swv-reunited-reality-show-to-debut-wetv101.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-371780421624312170Wed, 01 Jan 2014 21:55:00 +00002014-01-01T13:57:04.266-08:00Actor James Avery Dies; Best Known As Uncle Phil From "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ8AQuzDXqQ/UsSONMOu5jI/AAAAAAAAQ2M/OKuSmVBPRBw/s1600/james_avery_uncle_phil_dies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="James Avery, Also Known As Uncle Phil, Dies" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ8AQuzDXqQ/UsSONMOu5jI/AAAAAAAAQ2M/OKuSmVBPRBw/s320/james_avery_uncle_phil_dies.jpg" title="James Avery, Also Known As Uncle Phil, Dies" width="235" /></a></div><br />James Avery, who played Philip Banks on the popular 90's show <i>The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air</i>, has died from open heart surgery complications. He was only 65 years old, and was living in Glendale, California.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Avery, while growing up in Atlantic City, New Jersey, studied acting and poetry, but went on to serve in the Navy during the Vietnam War. After his return, he moved to San Diego, started writing poetry and TV scripts for PBS, and eventually got his break in film with a small role in the 1980's film <i>The Blues Brothers</i>.<br /><br />He eventually hit the jackpot with the role as Uncle Phil on <i>The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air</i> starring Will Smith. After that show ended, he appeared in several other TV shows including <i>That '70s Show</i>, <i>CSI</i>, <i>The Closer</i> and <i>LA Law</i>. Most recently, Avery worked on Zach Braff's film, <i>Wish I Was Here</i>, which will premiere at the upcoming 2014 Sundance film festival.<br /><br />Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Carlton on "Fresh Prince," posted a message on his Facebook page, saying, "The world has lost a truly special man. I am very saddened to say that James Avery has passed. Even though he played my father on TV, he was a wonderful father figure to me in life. He will be deeply missed."<br /><br />Avery is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Barbara Avery, and his stepson Kevin Waters.http://blog.blacknews.com/2014/01/james-avery-dies-uncle-phil-fresh-prince-of-belair101.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-1683468812201692188Mon, 30 Dec 2013 05:40:00 +00002013-12-29T21:43:15.491-08:00Beyonce Makes Wish Come True For Terminally Ill Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wXvNXFMpMOQ/UsEG9mmWYhI/AAAAAAAAQyg/iOsyeEXbReY/s1600/beyonce_wish_come_true_terminally_ill_girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beyonce Makes Wish Come True For Terminally Ill Girl" border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wXvNXFMpMOQ/UsEG9mmWYhI/AAAAAAAAQyg/iOsyeEXbReY/s400/beyonce_wish_come_true_terminally_ill_girl.jpg" title="Beyonce Makes Wish Come True For Terminally Ill Girl" width="400" /></a></div><br />Superstar singer and actress Beyoncé made a wish come true for Taylon Davis, a 12-year-old with an inoperable brain tumor. Her last wish was to dance with Beyonce, and the wish was granted through The Make-a-Wish Foundation, which was responsible for making it happen. It happened at one of her concerts in Las Vegas, and the precious moment was captured on YouTube and has been viewed more than 1,000,000 times.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />As young Taylon is rolled in her wheelchair to a special spot in front of the stage, she talks to the camera: "I am having so much fun, I can't wait to see Beyoncé." A few moments later, Beyoncé comes down down onto the stage, and viewers can really see Taylon getting excited. Next, the singer sweeps downs from the stage to embrace Taylon and they duet on "Love on Top". After this, Taylon rises from her chair to dance as Beyoncé starts singing the hit Destiny's Child song "Survivor".<br /><br /><b>Watch The Video Below:</b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/VWnMiO62F18?list=UUuHzBCaKmtaLcRAOoazhCPA" width="500"></iframe>http://blog.blacknews.com/2013/12/beyonce-wish-come-true-terminally-ill-girl101.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-4015650236461133361Mon, 30 Dec 2013 05:20:00 +00002013-12-29T21:21:17.416-08:00Michigan Doctor Disappears With No Trace; Investigators Are Clueless<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOS_hqIXXDY/UsECR6Ah8FI/AAAAAAAAQyQ/awEXagXvIYA/s1600/teleka_patrick_missing_black_doctor_michigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Teleka Patrick, Missing Black Doctor" border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOS_hqIXXDY/UsECR6Ah8FI/AAAAAAAAQyQ/awEXagXvIYA/s400/teleka_patrick_missing_black_doctor_michigan.jpg" title="Teleka Patrick, Missing Black Doctor" width="400" /></a></div><br />30-year old Teleka Patrick From Kalamazoo, Michigan, has disappeared without a trace and investigators are clueless. Patrick, a first-year resident at Western Michigan University, was reportedly was last seen December 5, 2013 in the parking lot of Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, where she worked as a student doctor. Her car has already been found in a ditch more than 100 miles away in the state of Indiana.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Police first discovered her car, in which, they found her wallet and identification, but no car keys. The car had no damage, other than an unexplained flat tire. The very next morning she was reported missing when she failed to come to work. State police used a bloodhound to trace her scent, but the dog traced her steps back to the freeway and stopped.<br /><br />What puzzles investigators is what caused her to drive more than 100 miles without her cell phone and purse, and without alerting her friends and family. They also say that she had purchased an airline ticket to visit her parents in Florida. She was supposed to leave on December 23rd.<br /><br />The story has been featured on many primetime news shows including "Good Morning America" and "Nancy Grace".<br /><br />Anyone who has information about her disappearance is encouraged to call the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office immediately at (269) 383-8748 or the Indiana State Police at (219) 696-6242.<br /><br />A Facebook page for Teleka has been set up at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FindTeleka" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/FindTeleka</a>http://blog.blacknews.com/2013/12/michigan-doctor-teleka-patrick-michigan-disappears101.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-2281635477380284589Thu, 26 Dec 2013 06:12:00 +00002013-12-25T22:12:45.953-08:00“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” Is A Must See Film<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-hbgEQrbf4/UrvH1p07OlI/AAAAAAAAQsc/AE0zz0jGoLY/s1600/mandela_long_walk_film_idris_elba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mandela Long Walk To Freedom" border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-hbgEQrbf4/UrvH1p07OlI/AAAAAAAAQsc/AE0zz0jGoLY/s400/mandela_long_walk_film_idris_elba.jpg" title="Mandela Long Walk To Freedom" width="270" /></a></div><br />Movie critics are saying that Idris Elba did a stellar job as Nelson Mandela in the new film "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom". The film, released on Christmas day, is the official story of Nelson Mandela who was in prison for nearly 30 years. It tells the story of his journey in the country of South Africa as a youth and into his elderly years (from birth to marriage to imprisonment to presidency).<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Critics say the movie is extremely well produced, and features two excellent lead performances. And, Elba, the star of the film, has received all kinds of accolades for his performance. The Boston Globe says the film is "sincere, honorable, and perfect for showing to the kids. It’s one long teachable moment."<br /><br />The film also features a theme song called "Ordinary Love" by U2 that is being featured on the film's soundtrack. It is the first song from the popular group since 2010.<br /><br />The film also stars actresses Noamie Harris as Winnie Mandela (his 2nd wife), and Terry Pheto as Evelyn Mase (his first wife). Directed by Justin Chadwick, the 146-minute film is rated PG-13 for intense violence, disturbing images, sexual content, brief strong language.<br /><br /><b>Watch The Preview Below:</b><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hmm-aazQQKA" width="500"></iframe><br /><br />http://blog.blacknews.com/2013/12/mandela-long-walk-to-freedom-is-must.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-3513965508552045951Tue, 24 Dec 2013 05:58:00 +00002013-12-23T21:58:05.462-08:00Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union Engaged<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSIXnFsjmyc/UrkiPS5JRfI/AAAAAAAAQo4/9ayuwYjkUWw/s1600/dwayne_wade_gabrielle_union.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union Engaged" border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSIXnFsjmyc/UrkiPS5JRfI/AAAAAAAAQo4/9ayuwYjkUWw/s400/dwayne_wade_gabrielle_union.jpg" title="Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union Engaged" width="400" /></a></div><br />NBA star Dwyane Wade and actress Gabrielle Union are now engaged. He proposed to his longtime girlfriend this past week, and she reportedly quickly accepted. They posted the news via Twitter and Instagram while they were attending a team Christmas party.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Wader posted "She said YES!!!" to his accounts, and also posted a picture of Gabrielle wearing a large diamond solitaire on the ring finger of her left hand. It will be the second marriage for both Union, 41, and Wade, who is 31. So far, no date has been announced.<br /><br />Wade has spent his entire basketball career with the Miami Heat since he was drafted in 2003. He and his team have won three championships, including last year's big win with Lebron James.<br /><br />Union is a long-time actress that has starred in several films including <i>Bring It On</i> and <i>Think Like A Man</i>, along with the BET series <i>Being Mary Jane</i>.http://blog.blacknews.com/2013/12/dwyane-wade-and-gabrielle-union-engaged.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-1667838331531067565Fri, 06 Dec 2013 04:39:00 +00002013-12-05T20:39:58.611-08:00Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa, Dies At Age 95<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AFBv41-v3b8/UqFU2cn43MI/AAAAAAAAQTY/3V6eaXaECic/s1600/nelson_mandela_dies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nelson Mandela Dies" border="0" height="224" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AFBv41-v3b8/UqFU2cn43MI/AAAAAAAAQTY/3V6eaXaECic/s400/nelson_mandela_dies.jpg" title="Nelson Mandela Dies" width="400" /></a></div><br />Former South African president Nelson Mandela has died in his Johannesburg home. He was 95 years old. He had been very ill, and had spent most of the year in and out of the hospital. He was supposed to meet with President Obama this past summer, but his illness prevented the meeting.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />"He no longer belongs to us. He belongs to the ages," Obama said in an appearance at the White House. "I am one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela's life. And like so many around the globe, I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set."<br /><br />Obama is likely to travel to South Africa for Mandela's funeral, though a trip has not yet been officially announced.<br /><br />The two presidents only met once in person, but did speak occasionally on the phone. After the 2008 election, when Mandela called Obama to congratulate him on his victory. Obama also called Mandela in 2010 after his young granddaughter was killed in a car accident. Obama also wrote the introduction to Mandela's memoir, <i>Conversations With Myself</i>.<br /><br />Born on July 18, 1918, Mandela was married three times, has five children, and 20 grandchildren. In the 1960's, Mandela was sentenced to 30 years in prison, branded a terrorist and traitor by South Africa's Apartheid government. While there he was permitted just one visitor a year, and could either write or receive one letter every six months. Despite this, he completed a law degree. After his release, he was elected president of South Africa and served in this role from 1994 to 1999.http://blog.blacknews.com/2013/12/nelson-mandela-president-south-africa-dies101.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981573575720945327.post-8458125149631038081Wed, 04 Dec 2013 04:55:00 +00002013-12-04T07:59:07.158-08:00Man Discovered Still Alive Underwater Three Days After His Boat Went Missing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzSJxTuqs5c/Up61HiPGwPI/AAAAAAAAQOE/UPFUgMxObjU/s1600/harrison_okene_man_found_alive_air_pocket_boat_3_days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Harrison Okene, Man Found Alive in Sunken Boat 3 Days Later" border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzSJxTuqs5c/Up61HiPGwPI/AAAAAAAAQOE/UPFUgMxObjU/s400/harrison_okene_man_found_alive_air_pocket_boat_3_days.jpg" title="Harrison Okene, Man Found Alive in Sunken Boat 3 Days Later" width="400" /></a></div><br />Back in June 2013, Harrison Okene, a 29-year old man who spent three days trapped in an air pocket of a sunken ship, was discovered by divers, turning a search for dead bodies into an incredible rescue operation. Okene was aboard a tugboat off the coast of Nigeria with 11 colleagues, when suddenly the boat capsized and began to rapidly sink. <br /><a name='more'></a><br />Okene was the only survivor, as he managed to find a 4-foot pocket of air and survived on sips of Coca-Cola. Amazingly, divers were looking to recover the dead bodies, when they discovered Okene was still alive - even though it had been 3 days since the boat sank.<br /><br />They were able to capture the rescue on camera. In a popular video that has gone viral on YouTube, viewers can see the tiny space where Okene was able to breathe: just a 4-foot pocket of air. Next, the rescuer straps Okene in a harness, and gets ready to pull him out from 100 feet (30 meters) below the Atlantic Ocean.<br /><br />Okene can even be seen being pulled out of the shipwreck and taking his first breaths through an oxygen mask. He was immediately taken to a decompression chamber where he was held for sixty hours so his body pressure and nitrogen levels could return to normal.<br /><br /><b>Here's the newly released video below:</b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ArWGILmKCqE" width="500"></iframe>http://blog.blacknews.com/2013/12/harrisonokeneman-found-still-alive-underwater-sunken-boat-three-days-later101.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dante Lee)